Bicycle Handlebar Tape Installation

Handlebar tape wrap was developed to provide cushion and grip for cyclists. It's applied to road bike handlebars by hand and can be customized for fashion or individual taste. There are several types of handlebar tape wrap--most are a rubberized compound and some are cork. It comes in rolls with a myriad of colors to choose from. Some handlebar tape wrap has a narrow adhesive strip on the back to help hold it in place, and the others are held in place by friction.

Things You'll Need

  • Electrical tape
  • Screwdriver
  • 2 rolls handlebar tape with adhesive
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pop the handlebar plug ends from the handlebars. If the plugs resist coming out, use a small screwdriver to pry them loose. Unwrap the old tape and discard it if your handlebars have been previously wrapped.

    • 2

      Peel the rubber brake lever housing up and away from the handlebars. Peel it up far enough to expose the brake clamp that holds the lever to the handlebars.

    • 3

      Wrap electrical tape around any loose cables that are routed along the handlebars.

    • 4

      Peel the adhesive tape back 6 inches from the edge of the handlebar tape. Starting on the right side handlebar, place the end of the handlebar tape under the end of the handlebar; the back of the tape should be facing up, and the adhesive backing should be flush with the edge of the handlebar.

    • 5

      Pull up on the tape as you wind it clockwise around the bars. Overlap each previous wrap by half, and make sure the adhesive strip stays in contact with the bar as you wrap. Pull the tape tight with each revolution.

    • 6

      Pull diagonally and wrap around the brake lever clamp from the bottom to the top. Pull diagonally down the other side to cover the brake lever clamp. Continue wrapping until you are within 1 inch of where the handlebars are clamped onto the stem. Cut off the tape with scissors.

    • 7

      Wrap around the end of the tape with electrical tape, securing it to the handlebars. Make several revolutions, overlapping the electrical tape, making a smooth transition from electrical tape to the rubberized handlebar tape.

    • 8

      Stuff the overhanging ends of the handlebar tape into the hole in the handlebars. Insert the cap into the handlebar end. Smack it with the palm of your hand to drive it securely into the end of the bars.